The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-01-15

| thought to bring my bathing-suit; | don't
| know any thing enjoy so thoroughly as a
| saltwater bath. Is the surf good on the
| islandF
| Eyes, the bathing conyeniences are of the
most primitive descriptions, but the surf is
as good as you would find at Ocean Grove,
or any of those seaside places. My bath is
| always the special attraction Of these beach
parties, though they really are very pleas
ant affairs altogether. L hope yoQ haven't
| let Mr.. Warwick insinuate any dC.tbt as to
| our safety into your mind Mr.. Marshall is
| perfectly at home in the management of a
| boat, and even if he were not, the Judge So
| There certainly seemed no cause for fear
| as they set sail in the morning, and of all
| the merry party Bonnibel was gayest of the
gay. Her brown eyes were alight with fun
| and laughter, the soft creamy-tinted COM
plexion, that invited without fear even the
kiss of "a July sun, was just tinged with a
| faint glow that might have been merely the
reflection from the lining of her broad
| trimmed hat, and the cardinal lining itself
was not redder than the curved red lips
that chartered nonsense as carelessly as if
there were no touch of heartache to be
hidden She was prettier than ever in that
rough flannel suit With just the CLEAN of
scarlet in her hat to give color to the whole,
Robert Marshall thought, critically; Won
dering, the while, how he had been unlucky
enough to offend her. Miss Leigh's greet
ing had been decidedly cool, and he was
puzzled to account for the sudden altera-
ton; but the management of his white
winged craft occupied his thoughts more
pleasantly than the caprices of this young
lady, who was, after all, but one out of
several pretty girls. Miss Armitage, for
instance, had eyes like spring violets; it
wouldn't ke an unpleasant task to teach her
the mysteries of ''tacking'' and ''veering,"
which instruction would at least be amiably
received.
1t was pleasant sail down through the
windings of the creek, past sloping green
banks dotted with groups of white buildings.
There are LAVISH suggestions about every
Southern householder; his numerous barns
and corn-cribS make him seem the proprie-
tor of a whole village. Farther on came
the green salt marshes, cleaning with en-
erald lights under the fervid July sun:
startled birds rose and circled, and sank
again among the rank grasses, but the little
white-winged vessel kept her steady course
toward the blue, broad water. then out and
across, till the beach, that had seemed a
mere purple-gray line against The horizon,
was reached at last.
''Now, what is to be done flrst!n asked
Mrs. Warmer. ''The gentlemen, suppose,
are going fishing-that being a necessity
before we can dine properly. Who will go
with themi You, Bonny?" knowing the
girls utter fearlessness, and delight in the
tossing, crested waves that were apt to
break over the boat when the fishing
grounds on the other side of the island were
reached.
mot this time, I Think 1t was tardy
remembrance of her lovers wish that
prompted her refusal. 81 think that would
be rather more than Maize would enjoy"
she added, with smile.
They were standing on the firm. white
beach, surrounded by the pile of baskets
and wraps and bundles that party of this
s.,rt always necessitates. The Judge and
Mr.. Marshall and the boys were preparing
to start out again.
eve want to go in the surf, you see,"
she said, pointing to the bundle Of bathing
suits; "and | know you won't let Florry go
in after dinner''
Every true,n said Mrs. Warmer; shut 1
don't exactly like the idea of your going in
without a gentleman. I'll ask Bob to stay''
mo, indeed" protested Bonnibel, with
VAGUE DeuGh JIldJ SuCn d course WOULD not
be likely to meet with Earl's approval.
''See! they're already starting-don't call
them back. There's comparatively little
surf to-day, and we really don't need them
Do we, girls"
The girls addressed answered No, as in
duty bound; Maize, doubtfully, and FIorry
indifferently-itw was only Bob, SO the three
started off, round the island, to where the
long line of white proclaimed the shallow,
shelving beach below.
''Why, | believe l could go out for a quar-
ter of mile!' exclaimed Bonnibel ''Did
you ever see the white caps reach ont 50
far before?"
II don't believe 1 ever did," answered
Florry, letting the little curling waves
creep up about her bare ankles, ard watch
ing them as they broke, in long, curving
lines Of foam, upon the sandy beach. Its
hardly surf at all to-day Maize will think
you are not to be trusted"
''Never mind,n retorted Bonribel; ''iust
put yourselves in it, and you will find fair
amount of eXhilaration.n She had plunged
IN boldly, and emerged, breathless and
dripping. "Come, Mazie-come, Florry-
let's go farther out!'
mo. l." said Florry, prudently. II pre-
Ter to hug the shore if you please. don't
run INTO any unnecessary danger"
Danger! nonsense! why, it is hardly up
to my waist here. Will you come with me,
Maziei l mean to find better fun than this
I'll promise to stop" she added, seeing that
her friend hesitated, whenever it seems to
be getting deep-but you see for yourself
what very gradual slope this isl'
Hand in hand they ran out together,
;1reasting the waves with an eager, breath
less excitement that urf-bathing alone can
give.
"Come back" called Florry; but they
only laughed-the water was far too shall
low still.
81 think I must have been duck-or a
water-spaniel-in some previous state Of
existence" gasped Bonnibel. II am never
-" but the rest of the sentence was lost
in the rush and gurgle of the waters as
they closed round her. She was choked
and beWildered for the moment, but hardly
frightened. She had been knocked over by
the waves too many times for the sensation
to be an unfamiliar one. She would be
ready to laugh whan she recovered her
footing, But that was not so easy as it
should have been. She struggled wildly,
throwing out her hands in the vain attempt
to touch something-and the horror of find
ing nothing but water. in an unknown
depth above, below and around her, struck
home with colder chill than the waves